Friday, December 6, 2013

A Simple Planing Stop

Flat head cap screws and threaded inserts make an easy planing stop

In a previous post I said I was going to put a traditional wood planing stop in this bench but in an effort to reduce the time needed to get this bench built I went with this instead. I can't remember where I saw this type of stop before but it's not my idea. Maybe it was at WIA, can't be sure. Anyway I used 1 1/2 inch 1/4-20 flat head cap screws that could be countersunk into the bench and 30mm long 1/4-20 threaded inserts. The threaded inserts are put in until flush with the bottom of the bench top and that leaves about 1/4" above them allowing for bench flattening, just remove the screws and plane away.

This took about 15 minutes to install with a bit brace and allen key. My threaded inserts worked well with a hole from a 5/16 auger. I then countersunk the holes using a countersink that matched the taper of the screw heads. Then I ran the threaded inserts in, mine used an allen key, and then put the screws in and tightened them down until just under the surface of the bench.

For planing, just raise any two to support your stock. You can raise them to any height you need for thick or thin stock. The long screws and inserts provide good support, I guess we'll see how well it holds up long term but I expect it to be fine. Now I can plane the stock for the vise jaws, installing them will be my next bench post probably.